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TypeMatrix EZ-Reach Computer Keyboard Pioneers

Advanced Ergonomics Under $100

the first mass-market keyboard to substantially reduce motions that cause repetitive strain injuries is now shipping

March 10, 2003 - Santa Barbara, CA - TypeMatrix, Inc. today announced the world.s first computer keyboard for the mass market that substantially reduces the motions known to cause repetitive strain injuries (RSI). The patent-pending TypeMatrix EZ-ReachTM keyboard addresses the growing and unmet need for a mainstream keyboard with advanced ergonomics and superior comfort.

Epidemic of Repetitive Strain Injuries
 
Over 2 million people in the USA suffer from repetitive strain injuries, and 1 million miss days of work as a result. Previous mainstream ergonomic keyboards such as the Microsoft Natural focus on ergonomic postures, but do not reduce stressful hand, arm, and wrist movements in their design. In fact, those elongated, tented designs can add stress to the user's body.

"It's hard to believe, but ergonomic keyboard designs that aim to alleviate repetitive motion injuries by and large ignore anatomical motions and focus solely on ergonomic postures. It's an omission TypeMatrix has finally corrected," said Ray Bello, Executive Director of BEST Associates, an injury management & prevention services firm.

Keyboard Breakthroughs
 
The TypeMatrix EZ-ReachTM sells for $99 USD. Its layout truly evolves keyboard design, leapfrogging the standard keyboard and the Microsoft Natural with a number of first-ever user benefits:
 

  • First-ever mainstream keyboard to substantially reduce finger, wrist and arm movements. Three design features make this possible: vertical columns of keys, an embedded number pad, and re-positioning of frequent keys.
     
  • First-ever mainstream keyboard to promote neutral mouse placement. Instead of sitting far off to one side, the mouse sits just two inches from the right hand.
     
  • Vertical columns of keys increase speed and accuracy for many users. Keys are stacked vertically above each other so fingers travel shorter distances with less stress.
     
  • Bigger Enter, Backspace and Tab keys, placed in the center of the keyboard. User strikes keys with stronger index finger, relieving little finger strain.
     
  • Only ergonomic keyboard to fit all keyboard trays, with mouse also in tray. The sleek, low-profile, compact design fits keyboard trays so user workspace is comfortable.
     

Other beneficial features of the TypeMatrix keyboard include:
  • Separated hands but not angled, for more wrist comfort without straining shoulders.
     
  • Large and hi-tech membrane keys give uniform resistance across entire surface for smooth, quiet, responsive touch.
     
  • Included TypingTutor software makes learning easy with minimal adjustment time.
     

Independent Study Finds Pain Significantly Lessened
 
In an independent study conducted by Raymond Bello, BEST Associates, Pelham, NY, 94% of women and 75% of men with an existing repetitive strain injury reported significant lessening of pain after using the EZ-ReachTM keyboard for 5 weeks. The study found that users of the EZ-ReachTM keyboard achieved greater balance of motions of all fingers and both hands, maintained neutral postures of arms, hands and shoulders, and centered their bodies squarely on the monitor for more beneficial body posture.

Early customers are thrilled!
 
Since shipping its first keyboards to early customers, TypeMatrix has received dozens of unsolicited emails offering thanks and praise. Customer comments include, "This is the BEST keyboard available today!"; "No other vendor 'gets it'."; "Yesterday I realized I have not had any of those aches and pains since I bought your keyboard. What a blessing!"; "WOW, this is absolutely no match to any keyboard I have used since computers were invented."

Pricing, System Requirements and Availability
The TypeMatrix EZ-ReachTM keyboard is available now. It is plug-and-play; no software driver is required. The keyboard is priced at $99 USD and is sold at www.typematrix.com, or by calling 1-800-234-3975.

About TypeMatrix, Inc.
TypeMatrix, Inc. designs and markets innovative personal technology peripherals offering a luxury experience at affordable prices. The company's flagship product is the patent-pending TypeMatrix EZ-ReachTM, the first mass-market computer keyboard to significantly reduce the motions known to cause repetitive strain injury. TypeMatrix's products are positioned for general consumer adoption, as well as for use in business, education and government. Based in Santa Barbara, CA, the company can be reached at 1-800-234-3975 or at www.typematrix.com.

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Jessie Brumfiel, NeoTerra Group
805-686-5456
jbrumfiel@neoterragroup.com